Donald Loyd Simmons, 86, Springfield, died Saturday, March 11, 2017 in ManorCare. He was born December 19, 1930 to Gwendolyn Green in Willow Springs, MO.

He married Patricia Murphy in July, 1951.

Donald was a 1952 graduate of Missouri State University where he was co-captain of the football team his senior year. He was in the United States Marine Corps where he served in Japan and Korea and was the Commanding Officer of the Springfield Reserve for a number of years.

Donald was one of the founders of the MSU booster club, originally known as the Papa Bears. He was a member of King's Way United Methodist Church. Donald also belonged to the Exchange Club and the Civil War Round Table.

He spent his career as a CLU and CHFC with Bankers Life of Nebraska, currently known as Ameritus Life Insurance Company.

He is survived by his wife; two children, Brad Simmons, Cathy Mackey and husband Michael; four grandchildren, Brian Simmons, Brett Simmons and wife Kim, Brandon Simmons and Connor Mackey.

Memorial visitation will take place Thursday, March 16, from 12:00 to 1:30 PM, in the Adkins Charter House at King's Way United Methodist Church under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Private family inurnment will take place in Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of SW MO, 3161 West Norton Road, Springfield, MO 65803.